Karen Belle Mitchell

1938 - 2020

GALESBURG - Karen Belle Mitchell, 81, Galesburg, died at 6:06 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020, at the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.

She was born May 18, 1938, in Galesburg, to Carl Edward and Leliah Ruth (Bocox) Kennedy. She married Gary C. Mitchell on May 25, 1958, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2018.

Surviving are two sons, Curtis K. (and Felicia) Mitchell of Peoria, Arizona, and Lance M. (and Kathy) Mitchell of Knoxville; a brother, Gary Dean (and Billie) Kennedy of Munroe Falls, Ohio; five grandchildren, Kyle Mitchell, Tim Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Matthew Mitchell and Peyton Mitchell; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jeffrey D. Mitchell, on June 15, 1992; and a brother, Stanley Kennedy.

Karen graduated from Galesburg High School in 1956. She worked for the Galesburg Research Hospital in Galesburg and Zeller Mental Health Center in Peoria. She later worked in the cafeteria for Galesburg School District 205 for several years and retired in 2005. She was a member of the Covenant Church in Galesburg. Karen loved to be an active volunteer for Galesburg sporting events, including Little League baseball, Cal Ripken baseball, JFL football and many other organizations at all levels. She was a volunteer for the Orpheum Theatre. She was nominated as The Register Mail's Volunteer of the Year. Most of all, she loved watching and being a part of her children's and grandchildren's sporting events.

Cremation will be accorded. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service and visitation will be announced at a later date for the safety of friends and family. Memorials may be made to the Covenant Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.